England vs New Zealand, ICC WC 2023, Today Match Prediction 05 October 2023

ENG vs NZ Match Prediction & Analysis

It is the inaugural game of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, and we expect a high-voltage clash as the defending champions, England, take on last edition’s finalists New Zealand. Both teams have done well in the warm-up games and have an experienced group of players. England won the last warm-up game against Bangladesh, and New Zealand defeated the South Africans.  

England has had the upper hand against New Zealand in the last few years and has lost only twice against them in the last ten games. The English side boasts one of the most hard-hitting batting line-ups, making them confident in this game. New Zealand won’t be easy to defeat, as their batsmen have shaped up well in the warmup games. As two of the best teams battle in the first game, we expect a thrilling start to the tournament.

RECENT PERFORMANCE

ENG

W W W W W

ENG

197/6 in 24.1 8.15

ICCWCWARMUP

England beat Bangladesh by 4 wickets (D/L) method 02 Oct 2023

BAN

188/9 in 37.0 5.08

ENG

334/8 in 50.0 6.68

ENG vs IRE

England beat Ireland by 48 runs 23 Sep 2023

IRE

286/10 in 46.4 6.13

ENG

311/9 in 50.0 6.22

ENG vs NZ

England beat New Zealand by 100 runs 15 Sep 2023

NZ

211/10 in 38.2 5.5

ENG

368/10 in 48.1 7.64

ENG vs NZ

13 Sep 2023

NZ

187/10 in 39.0 4.79

ENG

226/7 in 34.0 6.65

ENG vs NZ

England won by 79 runs 10 Sep 2023

NZ

147/10 in 26.5 5.48

NZ

W W W L L

NZ

346/5 in 43.4 7.92

ICCWCWARMUP

New Zealand beat Pakistan by 5 wickets 29 Sep 2023

PAK

345/5 in 50.0 6.9

BAN

171/10 in 34.3 4.96

BAN vs NZ

New Zealand beat Bangladesh by 7 wickets 26 Sep 2023

NZ

175/3 in 34.5 5.02

BAN

168/10 in 41.1 4.08

BAN vs NZ

New Zealand beat Bangladesh by 86 runs 23 Sep 2023

NZ

254/10 in 49.2 5.15

ENG

311/9 in 50.0 6.22

ENG vs NZ

England beat New Zealand by 100 runs 15 Sep 2023

NZ

211/10 in 38.2 5.5

ENG

368/10 in 48.1 7.64

ENG vs NZ

13 Sep 2023

NZ

187/10 in 39.0 4.79

HEAD TO HEAD

TEAMS PREVIEW

England Preview

Jos Buttler and his side would aim to make a confident start in their title defense. They have one of the strongest batting line-ups in this tournament and would like to play to their strengths in this game. Buttler would know that the Kiwis are in good form, and they won’t make lives easy for them. The England skipper would like a spirited performance from his players in this game.  

The side would like to get off to a flier and expect a good performance in this game from Dawid Malan and Jonny Bairstow at the top. The middle order is formidable for the team, and they will look for runs from Joe Root, Jos Buttler, and Liam Livingstone. Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Sam Curran, and Chris Woakes add firepower to the line-up in the lower middle order, making it strong.  

The side will need a good start with the new ball from Reece Topley and Sam Curran, and New Zealand has a powerful batting line-up that can destroy any bowling attack. Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid shall find the conditions conducive to their bowling and have an important role in the game. The side will also expect a good show from Stokes and Chris Woakes in the ing role. 

England Predicted Playing XI:

Jos Buttler (c & wk), Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley

England Actual Playing XI:

Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood

New Zealand Preview

Kane Williamson's side has ticked all the boxes in their two warm-up games. They batted brilliantly in both games, though there is some scope for improvement for the side in their bowling form. Williamson would know the batting strength England has; expect a disciplined show from his bowlers in this game. The odds are stacked against them, and they must rise to the occasion to win.  

The side will look for a good start from Devon Conway and Finn Allen, as both these players are good stroke makers. Williamson’s return to the team strengthens the batting, and he will look to do well with Glenn Phillips and Will Young in the middle order. Darryl Mitchell is a good finisher, and he will look to add runs in the lower middle order with James Neesham and Mitchell Santner.  

The bowling attack must shine in this game as they take on a powerful batting line-up. Trent Boult and Tim Southee are a great bowling pair, and early wickets from them will be crucial to the side’s fortunes. Ish Sodhi and Santner will like bowling on this surface, and they must do well. Mitchell and Neesham complete a strong attack for the side. 

New Zealand Predicted Playing XI:

Kane Williamson (c), Devon Conway (wk), Will Young, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Finn Allen

New Zealand Actual Playing XI:

Matt Henry, Trent Boult, Glenn Phillips, Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Mitchell Santner, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, James Neesham, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The skies will be clear over Ahmedabad on October 5, and we expect to see a warm evening. The wicket is two-paced, and batsmen who get their eyes set on can do well. Spinners enjoy the conditions at this venue. The side batting first in this game will be happy to have 320 plus runs to feel comfortable. 

ENG vs NZ Pitch Report

Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, has a flat surface and a fast outfield. Batsmen have done well here by rotating the strike and building their innings. Fast bowlers must rely on their variations to earn rewards on this surface. Spinners get a lot from the surface as the ball turns and stops on the batsmen.

Toss: To Bat

The batting conditions shall be best in the first innings, and we expect the spinners to turn the ball in the second half. Batting under lights will be challenging, and hence the side that wins the toss won’t hesitate to bat first in this game.